Tumwater School District students lauded for work in arts, TV and sports 

A number of Tumwater School District students were honored for their achievements in visual arts, television and sports last year. 

Tumwater School District Superintendent Kevin Bogatin highlighted the achievements at a Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Visual arts 

For the second consecutive year, Tumwater Middle School students in the advanced art CTE class were selected by the Olympia Arts Alliance to design a storefront installation in downtown Olympia. 

“We are proud to highlight an example of creativity, collaboration, and community, connection,” Bogatin said. 

The students created an immersive art experience titled, “NostalgiaLand,” which was based on the theme, “Savor.”   

Bogatin wrote in a report that the display features ceramic lanterns and sculptures, hand-drawn polaroid-style clouds, custom-built shelves and scenery, and a painted sunset backdrop, all designed, constructed and installed by students. 

“This project is a clear demonstration of our Portrait of a Graduate in action. Students applied creative and technical skills, worked collaboratively through each phase of the process, and engaged in a meaningful, real-world connection with the broader community,” stated Bogatin in the report. 

The installation is at the Goldberg Building in downtown Olympia and will be on display through mid-March.  

Television 

Adelyn Stanley, a Black Hills High School student, earned second place in a national Student Television Network competition.  

Stanley submitted a video entry about the prompt: "Choose Kindness, It Costs Nothing."  

The piece was judged by a panel of 18 professionals, including Emmy-winning producers and representatives from Netflix, CBS and FOX.  

“Through the guidance of Mr. Houk’s CTE Video Production program, Adelyn demonstrated innovation, empathy, and resilience, key attributes of the Portrait of a Tumwater Graduate. Her achievement reflects not only technical skill, but also the courage to communicate powerfully on a national stage,” stated Bogatin in the report. 

Sportsmanship 

Two student-athletes from Black Hills High School were selected for the Washington Officials Association Sportsmanship Award. 

The award aims to recognize exemplary sportsmanship demonstrated by players, coaches, and fans. 

Maximus Whitehall and Elijah Simpson are receiving $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education.

“These scholarships are funded through generous contributions from local officials and donors committed to giving back to schools that demonstrate integrity, respect, and character in athletics,” stated Bogatin in the report.